I've asked each ticket or candidate for the Senate executive elections to write a brief summary of the platform and strengths on which they are running for office. Below are the responses from the candidates for President/VP, Treasurer, and Recorder. Please take a moment to read these and remember to vote on Tuesday, February 8th!
Colin Buzza, SBVP
President/Vice President
Matt Lamos/Ashley Weets:
Matt Lamos and Ashley Weets plan on taking Wartburg "from good to GREAT" by:
1) Constructing a plan to increase student wages. Jen Sassman, Director of Financial Aid, Rich Seggerman, Chief Business Officer, and President Ohle have responded positively to the idea. We plan to form an ad-hoc committee to research what is the best plan to make this a possibility for students with on-campus jobs at Wartburg.
2) Ensuring student involvement in the planning and construction of the new PEC facility. Not just student athletes, but a wide variety of students so that the new facility can be the best for ALL students. Something Gary Grace said is a must.
3) Creating more of a "student" atmosphere in the Student Center by adding student artwork throughout the building.
4) Continue the constant communication between students and faculty by relaying complaints, suggestions and praise. Increase senator accountability by making it mandatory to speak at floor meetings.
5) We will continue to increase recycling knowledge and awareness, making sure the new plans keep going strong.
6) Also, work on getting a piece of the budget set aside solely to increase handicap accessibility.
Lamos/Weets. Taking Wartburg "from good to GREAT."
Alek Wipperman/Todd Stanhope:
Our biggest priority is to strengthen Wartburg's sense of community. We sense a trend of divisiveness on campus, and we have created a straightforward plan to build community. First, we will build on the successes of Ben Parks and Colin Buzza in improving communication. One step we will take is to hold students on faculty committees more accountable. We want Senate and the entire Student Body to understand decisions and exercise their voice. Second, we will strengthen the atmosphere that Wartburg is who we are. To do this, we will work with all the organizations on campus to improve our effectiveness. We will also focus on Crowd Control and ETK as ways of keeping students involved. Finally, we want to build community beyond the Bubble of Wartburg. Our growing programs in experiential learning present us with an opportunity to do this. We are immediately interested in taking leadership roles in expanding the service trip program. We would also like to create a mentorship program to make international students feel more welcome at Wartburg. Fundamentally, each part of this plan helps to build community at Wartburg, which is our underlying goal. It is a realistic plan that will bring successful results.
Treasurer
Justin Harken:
My goals include making a stronger community at Wartburg, informing students about the allocation process, informing students about the supplemental process, providing students with an accurate idea of where the tuition money is going, provide students with weekly updates about the Senate's budget, and continuing the line of communication established this year in Senate.
Tina Irvin:
As Student Body Treasurer, I would strive to eliminate confusion for organizations requesting funds through Student Senate. Clarificatoin of the guildlines for allocating and supplementary funds will save time for all parties during each process, as well as financially provide for organizations in the best possible way. As a member of the Executive Committee, I would be in a position to provide assistance and insight to other officers during crucial times. Additionally, I would be accessible to all students at Wartburg College to discuss issues with; I am a very approachable person, and will take all thoughts to heart.
Eva Sersland:
I should be elected Student Body Treasurer because I have the experience, knowledge, dedication, and responsibility to do a great job. I'm a second year at Wartburg majoring in public relations and electronic media and minoring in business. This is my 2nd year as a Student Senator and also my 2nd year as a member of the Budget Review committee. After being at Wartburg for 2 years, I feel that I have a sense of how things are to be run here and how students want their money spent.
Recorder
Amanda Pullin:
On February 8, you will have the ability to select next year's Student Senate executives. These students will not only shape the atmosphere and agenda of the Student Senate, but of campus itself. I am running for Student Body Recorder to help bridge the gaps that exist between the administration, student body, and Senate. One approach is to increase issue awareness and combat student apathy through the Stall Street News. This position is more than just a chance to be part of an organization; it is an opportunity to make a difference. VOTE AMANDA PULLIN for STUDENT BODY RECORDER.
Jess Wilke:
I am choosing to run for the office of Student Body Recordre to help facilitate communication across the Wartburg campus. I pride myself in my ability to communicate with students, faculty, staff and administration in order to carry out a project. If elected Student Body Recorder, I plan to go above and beyond the expectations of the position. It is a responsibility I would enjoy and feel I would do well at. The future outlook of the Student Senate is a very positive one, and I would enjoy contributing to the goals of the Senate through a leadership role.
